Here is my problem, I hope that you can find it in your heart to find a solution for me. I had a friend (best friend) who seems to be ditching me out for weed. She knows that I don't want to hang out with her if she is high, but she breaks plans with me, and never wants to hang out with me because she'd rather smoke weed. Does she actually think that a plant is more important than a friend?

Why do stoners tend to ditch their friends to smoke weed? If weed isn't additive, then why do stoners become so depressed when they can't find weed? Why would anyone want to forsake who they actually are for a phony personality which is brought on by a substance? -L.H.

Good question! The problem is one of attitude and respect. Yes, many stoners abuse the sacred herb and try to stay high most of the time. Yes, they often get depressed for about two days after they stop (but it's no worse than caffeine users going without!). Perhaps this friend considers you something of a "downer" when she's high. If you dis her because she's high, that will certainly make her not want to spend time with you. If you can't accept what she does, and not make an issue of it, then perhaps you shouldn't see her anymore.

If you can accept her and her ways, then the best thing to do is drop by and get her to go out with you into the real world. Gently remind her there is more to do than getting stoned not by telling her, but by showing her yourself. You see it's fun to do many things high or straight, but the problem with weed is that it makes you lethargic (lazy). I myself am guilty of avoiding people and events when high. And I often regret missing out on much of what's happening just cause I couldn't motivate myself to move! So if you're a true friend, help her to get out and enjoy life then perhaps she won't be a stay-at-home-stoner, and will indulge less when you're around. It would be a great favor for her if you did!

Let me know what happens!

Peace,
The Old Hippy